1--What is the title of your latest release?
D'VAUGHN AND KRIS PLAN A WEDDING
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
It’s 90 Day Fiancé meets The Amazing Race when two women who’ve never met before have six weeks to convince their families that they’re marrying one another. Each week brings a list of tasks they must execute all while dragging their loved ones along for the ride, but on the way to the altar their pretend feelings turn real and when they reach the finish line they have to decide if it’s worth the risk to turn something fake into forever.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
The setting for just about all of my books is my hometown of Houston, TX, so that made this one a no-brainer. The city is so large and diverse that it makes it easy to drop a fictional cast of characters there.
4--Would you hang out with D'Vaughn in real life?
Absolutely. She’s funny, kind, and likes to eat; all qualities I hold dear.
5--What are three words that describe Kris?
Sexy, smooth, strong.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned that writing is truly my safe space. I wrote this book during a difficult period of my life that had the potential to break me, but this book and these characters gave me the fuel to keep on keeping on. I was able to lose myself in their happy ending and I’ll forever be grateful for that.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I wait until I’ve completely finished writing the book to edit. If I tried to edit while writing, I’d never finish.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Iced milk tea. I had my first one about four years ago and now I love trying new flavors.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I recently moved so my writing space is in my kitchen until I get my office set up. It’s bright and airy, and all of the snacks are here.
10--Who is an author you admire?
I admire Nnedi Okorafor. She is writing unapologetically Nigerian characters in her fantasy and sci-fi books and she is continuously excelling at it. In a genre where Black people are grossly underrepresented, she has proudly carved out a space for art in a way that I can only dream of doing one day.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
I’m not sure if “changed my life” is the right way to describe it, but FLYY GIRL by Omar Tyree busted my imagination wide open. It was the first time I read a book where the characters sounded like me and my friends. It felt familiar in a way I’d never experienced before. I didn’t have to search for something to relate to because it was right there on the page in black and white. So, maybe “changed my life” is the perfect way to describe it after all.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)
I just remember being surprised that they not only wanted my book about unambiguously Black lesbians, but that the decision had come as quickly as it did. I fully expected to be on pins and needles for three months. Then it hit me and I realized I had to actually finish the book LOL.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
Contemporary Romance. I want all the gooey, the lovey-dovey, and the happily ever after.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is my favorite movie of all time. It’s a popular Bollywood film that is over three hours long and I’ve been in love with it since I was in middle school. It’s probably where I first discovered romance as a media genre. The love that Rahul has for Anjali is so strong that he would give up his family’s riches to make her his wife. If that isn’t tropey goodness, I don’t know what is.
15--What is your favorite season?
Fall. The weather is perfect—not to hot, not too cold—the fall drinks come out, and of course the Thanksgiving food makes an appearance!
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Pre-pandemic I would take a cruise during my birthday. Now I sleep in, spend the day reading, and order my favorite meal for lunch or dinner.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I just started watching Abbott Elementary and it is phenomenal. If you liked The Office or Parks and Recreation, you’ll love this show!
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Southern Soul Food. It is love and comfort and decadence.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
If I have even fifteen minutes of free time, I’m going to pick up a book. Reading is my number one hobby and favorite pastime.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
The next thing that readers can expect from me is a Valentine’s Day-themed serial that will be available for free as a part of Harlequin’s Online Reads.
D’Vaughn and Kris have six weeks to plan their dream wedding.
Their whole relationship is fake.
Instant I Do could be Kris Zavala’s big break. She’s right on the cusp of really making it as an influencer, so a stint on reality TV is the perfect chance to elevate her brand. And $100,000 wouldn’t hurt, either.
D’Vaughn Miller is just trying to break out of her shell. She’s sort of neglected to come out to her mom for years, so a big splashy fake wedding is just the excuse she needs.
All they have to do is convince their friends and family they’re getting married in six weeks. If anyone guesses they’re not for real, they’re out. Selling their chemistry on camera is surprisingly easy, and it’s still there when no one else is watching, which is an unexpected bonus. Winning this competition is going to be a piece of wedding cake.
But each week of the competition brings new challenges, and soon the prize money’s not the only thing at stake. A reality show isn’t the best place to create a solid foundation, and their fake wedding might just derail their relationship before it even starts.
Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters. Discover a new Carina Adores book every month!
Multicultural African-American | Romance [Carina Adores, On Sale: January 25, 2022, Trade Size / e-Book, ISBN: 9781335534941 / eISBN: 9780369717764]
Chencia C. Higgins is just a girl from Texas writing about sassy, southern women finding love. With a multitude of titles under her belt, she has made it her mission to create stories in which Black women are loved out loud. In 2019 she won a Romance Slam Jam Emma award for her debut paranormal romance, Janine: His True Alpha. When she isn’t hunkered down in her writing cave, Chencia can be found with her nose in a book (or two, or three), saving recipes on Pinterest, and traveling as much as possible with her family.
No comments posted.
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy